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The African Gourmet

The African Gourmet: Explore African Culture & Recipes

One bowl of fufu can explain a war. One proverb can outsmart a drought.
Welcome to the real Africa—told through food, memory, and truth.

Christmas & New Year in Africa

FOOD PROVERBS

Hot chili peppers, also known as chilies, are a popular spice used in many cuisines in Africa. 

Chili peppers are known for their distinctive fiery taste and pungent aroma, but they also offer a variety of health benefits. Boosts metabolism: Capsaicin, the compound that gives chili peppers their spicy taste, can increase metabolism and help burn fat. 

Reduces inflammation: Capsaicin also has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce inflammation and pain in the body. Supports heart health: Chili peppers contain antioxidants and other nutrients that can help improve heart health by reducing cholesterol levels and preventing blood clots. 

Helps regulate blood sugar: The compounds in chili peppers may help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. Boosts immunity: Chili peppers are rich in vitamin C, which is essential for a healthy immune system. Promotes digestion: Capsaicin can also help stimulate the digestive system and relieve digestive issues like bloating, constipation, and nausea. 

Note that consuming large amounts of chili peppers can cause digestive discomfort and may aggravate conditions like acid reflux or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). As with any food, moderation is key.

Fast hot and spicy seasoning Harissa spice paste is known as the devil hot pepper seasoning made from the hottest ground red peppers.

Spicy Devil Harissa Spice Paste

Harissa is the basic seasoning used in North African and Middle Eastern cooking and is extremely hot but good. Harissa is typically made hot and served with vegetables, grilled meats and couscous. 

Harissa is also used as a condiment, or mixed with soups and stews to flavor stews, soups or couscous. Harissa can be made five days ahead just simply keep covered in the fridge. 

Harissa is a devilish flavorful hot chili pepper paste made from dried chilies, tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and toasted spices.

Harissa pepper spice recipe

Harissa paste recipe
Harissa Paste

Make Harissa devil hot 5-Minute homemade spicy seasoning with step-by-step directions.

Ingredients
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
2 African bird hot peppers, diced, do not remove the seeds. You can use red Thai chili peppers instead.
1 tablespoon ghost chili powder
1 garlic clove, chopped
2 tablespoons cumin seeds, toasted
1 tablespoon coriander seeds
1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
2 large red tomatoes, chopped
Small handful of coriander leaves, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon fine sea salt

Spicy Devil Harissa Spice Paste

Directions
Lightly toast the cumin and coriander seeds in a small frying pan over medium heat, stirring often, until fragrant around 2-3 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool. Add the cooled seeds with the remaining ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Serve with vegetables, grilled meat, chicken or flat bread.

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DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17329200

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Ivy, founder and author of The African Gourmet

About the Author

Ivy is the founder and lead writer of The African Gourmet. For over 19 years, she has been dedicated to researching, preserving, and sharing the rich culinary heritage and food stories from across the African continent.

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The African Gourmet is preserved as a cultural resource and is currently selected for expert consideration by the Library of Congress Web Archives.

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Recipes as Revolution

Recipes as Revolution

When food becomes protest and meals carry political meaning

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African woman farmer

She Feeds Africa

Before sunrise, after sunset, seven days a week — she grows the food that keeps the continent alive.

60–80 % of Africa’s calories come from her hands.
Yet the land, the credit, and the recognition still belong to someone else.

Read her story →

To every mother of millet and miracles —
thank you.

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African Gourmet FAQ

Archive Inquiries

Why "The African Gourmet" if you're an archive?

The name reflects our origin in 2006 as a culinary anthropology project. Over 18 years, we've evolved into a comprehensive digital archive preserving Africa's cultural narratives. "Gourmet" now signifies our curated approach to cultural preservation—each entry carefully selected and contextualized.

What distinguishes this archive from other cultural resources?

We maintain 18 years of continuous cultural documentation—a living timeline of African expression. Unlike static repositories, our archive connects historical traditions with contemporary developments, showing cultural evolution in real time.

How is content selected for the archive?

Our curation follows archival principles: significance, context, and enduring value. We preserve both foundational cultural elements and timely analyses, ensuring future generations understand Africa's complex cultural landscape.

What geographic scope does the archive cover?

The archive spans all 54 African nations, with particular attention to preserving underrepresented cultural narratives. Our mission is comprehensive cultural preservation across the entire continent.

Can researchers access the full archive?

Yes. As a digital archive, we're committed to accessibility. Our 18-year collection is fully searchable and organized for both public education and academic research.

How does this archive ensure cultural preservation?

Through consistent documentation since 2006, we've created an irreplaceable cultural record. Each entry is contextualized within broader African cultural frameworks, preserving not just content but meaning.